Viola Davis Says Co-Writing “Judge Stone” with James Patterson ‘Reinvigorated’ Faith in Creating Characters ‘for Black Women’ (Exclusive)

Viola Davis, a celebrated actress, and James Patterson, a prolific author, have joined forces to create a compelling new legal thriller titled Judge Stone, which is set to hit bookshelves on March 9. This collaboration marks Davis’ foray into the literary world, and she described the opportunity to work with Patterson as a serendipitous moment of “kismet.”

Davis, 60, and Patterson, 78, have crafted a tale centred around Judge Mary Stone, a Black judge grappling with a contentious teenage abortion case in a small town in Alabama. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Patterson expressed that he had long envisioned a novel exploring dramatic courtroom dynamics amid complex emotional landscapes. “I always had this idea about writing a real controversial, dramatic, emotional novel about a courtroom drama in a small town,” he explained.

The collaboration came about when Davis received an intriguing proposal from her agent. “My agent called and said, ‘Would you like to collaborate on a book with James Patterson?’ And I was like, ‘Wait a minute, hold up!’” she recounted, highlighting her instant excitement upon learning about the project.

The partnership has proven to be creatively stimulating for both authors. Davis revealed that assuming the role of Judge Stone has rejuvenated her belief in the possibilities of storytelling, particularly for Black women. “This project reinvigorated my faith in what could be created in this art form,” she stated, emphasising the potential for representation within literature.

Davis envisions Judge Stone as an emblematic figure akin to Harper Lee’s Atticus Finch, a character that reflects the nuances of justice and community. “The story contains so many formidable, complicated, just surprising human beings,” she remarked, further illustrating the depth and richness of the characters portrayed in the narrative.

The writing duo’s synergy was a focal point in their creative process. Patterson noted that their communication and collaboration were key to ensuring a cohesive vision. “We had to get together and talk and make sure that the chemistry would be good,” he explained, adding that their partnership was characterised by an absence of external interference, allowing them to concentrate solely on their shared vision.

Davis concurred, stating that their mutual objective throughout the project was to elevate the story continuously. “We pushed each other a lot — in good ways,” she affirmed, underscoring the importance of collaboration in artistic pursuits.

For Davis, the essence of their partnership is rooted in a commitment to authenticity in character creation. Describing the process as akin to breathing life into fictional beings, she stated, “Whether you’re writing a character on the page or bringing one from the page to the screen, you’re actually creating a real human being.”

Furthermore, Davis highlighted the universal nature of storytelling and its ability to forge connections. “However you feel about someone that you don’t know, once they share their story — I don’t care if it’s someone who is completely opposite of you — you have a connection,” she said, reflecting on the transformative power of literature.

Judge Stone promises to be more than just a legal thriller; it aims to delve into profound themes of humanity, justice, and the intricacies of personal conviction. With Davis and Patterson’s dynamic collaboration, readers can anticipate a richly woven narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

As anticipation builds for the release of Judge Stone, it will be readily available at retailers and online, inviting readers to explore the complexities of morality and justice within its pages. The collaboration showcases the potential for cross-disciplinary creative partnerships, underscoring how diverse voices can come together to create something truly impactful in the literary landscape.